Michael Owen feels that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a dependable player but his arrival at Anfield would not turn Liverpool into genuine title challengers.

The England international has been strongly linked with a move to Merseyside with his Arsenal contract due to expire in 12 months.

The 23-year-old enjoyed his best-ever campaign in professional football last season with six goals and 11 assists but he is still assessing his Gunners future due to his reduced exposure from the starting lineup. Speaking to Metro, Owen admits that Oxlade-Chamberlain is a solid player, but his presence would not guarantee the Reds the Premier League title.

He said: "Alex is a good, solid player but I wouldn’t look at him and think he’s going to turn a team into Premier League champions. He’s certainly a player who knows the league and is clearly very dependable. He’d be an asset to virtually every squad in the Premier League. He’s a very good player so if he became available I’m sure there would be a few teams interested because he’s got a lot of ability. But he’s not going to take you to another level or turn you into champions."

The Ox joined the Gunners from Southampton back in the summer of 2011, and he has since evolved as a favourite among the fans. Oxlade-Chamberlain was initially seen as a fast-paced winger, but he has transformed his game after having featured in the central midfield and right wing-back positions last term.

Reports have suggested that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be available for a fee of around £30m this summer, but Arsene Wenger admits that none of his key players would be leaving the Emirates as it is an 'ideal situation' for them to showcase their abilities. Apart from Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Gunners are also reluctant to permit the sales of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, who have played a key part in their success.